Braves extend contracts of Gonzalez, coaches, through 2016

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez (33) looks on against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 9, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

David Zalubowski

July 17, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Braves extended the contracts of manager Fredi Gonzalez and his coaches through the 2016 season on Friday.

The team said the extensions include club options for 2017.

The Braves return from the All-Star break with a 42-47 record in Gonzalez's fifth season. His record with the Braves is 400-337, including the 2013 NL East title and a wild card spot in 2012.

This was expected to be a rebuilding season after Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton were traded.

''I really think Fredi has done an outstanding job,'' said president of baseball operations John Hart. ''Fredi has gotten, I think, the absolute most out of the ballclub. ... It's the right thing for us.''

The team's hopes of staying close to a wild-card berth have been hurt by injuries to closer Jason Grilli and first baseman Freddie Freeman. Grilli is out for the season and Freeman may not return before August.